“I just want to do God’s will. And he’s allowed me to go to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promised land! I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.”
- January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968
- African American
- Pastor and civil rights leader
- He led the movement to abolish racial discrimination in the United States and contributed to the establishment of the Civil Rights Act
Quote
“I just want to do God’s will. And he’s allowed me to go to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promised land! I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.”
Explanation
In this powerful statement, King expresses his profound faith and dedication to the pursuit of justice, even in the face of personal risk. By referring to the “mountain” and the “promised land,” King draws on biblical imagery, likening his vision of a just and equal society to Moses’s vision of the Promised Land, which he glimpsed but never entered. King acknowledges that he may not live to see the ultimate achievement of the freedom and equality he fought for, but he remains confident that the movement for justice will prevail and that his community will reach the goal he envisions.
Delivered the night before his assassination, this speech reflects King’s fearless commitment and selflessness. Knowing the dangers he faced, he speaks with conviction, courage, and hope, inspiring those who listened to continue the fight for civil rights regardless of the personal cost. King’s words are both a testament to his faith in divine guidance and a powerful reminder of his unwavering belief in the resilience and strength of his community.
Today, King’s message serves as a beacon of hope and perseverance for those working toward justice and equality. His words remind us that while the path to meaningful change is often long and difficult, our efforts contribute to a larger, collective journey toward a fairer world. King’s vision challenges us to remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice, even if we may not see the full results in our own lifetimes. His legacy inspires us to carry forward his mission, confident that the promise of equality and freedom will one day be realized for future generations.
